Kylie Blanchard, 2023

I was fortunate to run the Gaelforce 10k Bray Run in Bray, Ireland, on August 12, 2023. Held at the Belmont Demesne and Killruddery Estate in Bray, just south of Dublin, the trail run covered mountain terrain, fields of beautiful flowering plants, farmland and sheep pastures, and forest trails. Runners started in staggered flights and people of all ages and running abilities lined up at the trailhead at their designated times. Being new to trail running, I didn’t know what to expect, but after the start horn sounded and we emerged from a tree row, I quickly realized I was running up a mountain right from the start.

The group soon filtered onto a single, rocky trail to the first switchback before another climb began. Up the mountain, which I later learned was called “Little Sugar Loaf,” we went for approximately two kilometers (a bit more than a mile) before a nice volunteer told us we were done climbing for the day. The descent was relatively quick and, at times, on tricky terrain. The trail leveled out as it meandered through the estate on a mixture of dirt trails and roads, worn paths and paved walkways with gentle climbs and beautiful scenery. The finish brought runners through an opening in a large stone wall into the estate’s courtyard where spectators and runners were gathered to cheer on the finishers.

What made this race even more special was my three best friends also participated in the event, and we were able to experience this beautiful trail run together. It was a race unlike anything I have experienced before, and I feel so fortunate to say I ran through a small part of beautiful Ireland.